Expected to have a chance at multiple NFL HC jobs, Marvin Lewis landed his first known interview of this hiring period. The former Bengals head coach interviewed for the Texans’ HC position, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com report (via Twitter). The Texans announced the interview took place.
The longest-tenured HC in Bengals history, Lewis has been with the Arizona State program for the past two seasons. But he is on multiple NFL teams’ radars, and several jobs figure to be open by season’s end.
Currently the Sun Devils’ co-defensive coordinator on Herm Edwards‘ staff, Lewis surfaced on the NFL radar — to some degree — last year upon meeting with the Cowboys about the job that went to Mike McCarthy. Mike Zimmer also offered his former boss an assistant job in 2019. But a genuine Lewis push back to an NFL coaching gig now appears on tap.
Lewis, 62, coached the Bengals for 16 seasons. Known for revitalizing a long-moribund franchise in the 2000s, Lewis failed to snap Cincinnati’s playoff win drought — twice losing opening-round games to the Texans — and surprised most with his job security at his last NFL post. The former Ravens defensive coordinator is 131-122-3 as an NFL head coach.
The Texans have already interviewed former Lions and Colts HC Jim Caldwell for the job and have been connected to Seahawks OC Brian Schottenheimer as well. Eric Bieniemy, however, has loomed as a Deshaun Watson favorite — though, the quarterback is also believed to want OC Tim Kelly to stay — and has appeared to be on Houston’s radar for several weeks. Lewis has far more HC experience than both and has more such service time than almost anyone currently coaching in the NFL. It will be interesting to see how many interviews the current Pac-12 assistant lands over the next few weeks.
Educated Guess: you know, based off his success running Andy Reids offense and other success Andy Reid assistant coaches have had maybe try Eric Bienemy for HC.
Texans: nah fam, let’s grab a retread in Marvin Lewis.
Just because they interviewed him doesn’t mean they will hire him. And its not like if they truly have their sites set on a current assistant they can just reel him in right now with the season going on.
Ah yes, Andy Reid assistants never fail. That’s why all the Bears fans on here are so happy all the time.
If they hire Bienemy better hire an OC who can call and design plays since Eric does neither.
Bienemy first choice would of been the Jets until they ruined that by winning a game. Let’s hope Jags win one more time.
Think ole Jerra wish he would of picked Marvin now? Nah he is a genius just on a 25 year drought. He knows it all just ask him.
For Rooney rule purposes? Or they actually serious? Is the Rooney rule even still around?
well, they had already talked to Caldwell, correct? Or am I wrong and the rule requires 2 minority candidates be interviewed..?
Gotta grab those 3rd round picks
All of the issues in Houston to hire a coach who was a consistent coach probably wouldn’t be a bad thing. I mean could he really be worst then Bill O’Brien?
Marvin Lewis coordinated one of the greatest defenses of all time and then managed to have a winning record with a Bengals team that consistently spent less than almost every team in football. People on here acting like he only merits consideration for race/quota/draft pick reasons really need to get some air.
I think they might be implying he doesn’t merit consideration because he never won a playoff game in Cincinnati. Because playoff success is all that matters for head coaches, like how many SB wins is now the measuring stick for GOAT (or even top 5/10) QB of all time.
I mean, you’ve seen the race comments. And the playoff thing is hard when you’re running an under-budgeted team with an owner who insists on being GM while you’re in a division with the Steelers and Ravens.
Marvin Lewis with Jim Caldwell as OC, that is a fantastic start
Oh, great! So they can make the playoffs every other year but NEVER win a playoff game!!?? Hard pass…..
Oh wonderful! So they can make the playoffs every other year but NEVER win a playoff
game!!?? Hard pass…..
The Texans HC search is starting to remind me of the “kick over every rock” approach the Bears used after they released Lovie Smith in 2012. After an exhaustive search Chicago decided Marc Trestman was the best choice…lol.
Emery decided that Trestman was a good hire when it should have been Arians. Just like they should have hired Quinn instead of Fox or promoted Rivera instead of firing him.
Sometimes guys just need a change of scenery and a fresh start. Marvin Lewis is a fine candidate and they could do much worse. I’d like to see what he could do in the right situation.
Are the Texans trying to stay of the playoffs with potentially hiring this guy?
I miss uncle Marvin in cincy !!!, ran into him at the airport once. He bought me a Starbucks. Didn’t say a lot but is super nice. Diehard fans in cincy miss him. It’s the owner who should have left.